Watch Governors Awards Recipients Spike Lee And Gena Rowlands Discuss The Power Of Movies In New Academy Originals

On Saturday evening The Academy is handing out the first Oscars of the season.

AMPAS is hosting its annual Governors Awards where they are honoring film icons Spike Lee, Gena Rowlands and Debbie Reynolds.

Today The Academy released two special “Academy Originals” episodes featuring director Spike Lee and actress Gena Rowlands.

On August 25th, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to present Honorary Awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds.

All three awards will be presented at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center. Producers Julie Lynn and Bonnie Curtis will produce the 7th Annual Governors Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

“The Board is proud to recognize our honorees’ remarkable contributions at this year’s Governors Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “We’ll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished – with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference – will also enrich future generations.”

The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”

Visit The Academy’s site here: http://www.oscars.org/governors